Properly implemented Color Management is the key to predictable, reliable color and accurate B&W throughout every stage of the digital imaging process ~ digital capture, scanning, monitor display, editing, output and final presentation.
We have extensive experience managing color so monitor, print, proof and final product match in terms of color and luminosity. We also specialize in B&W and Monochrome workflows. Whatever your color challenge, we have a cost effective solution.
Services Offered
- Custom Inkjet Profiling by Mail ($50 per paper)
- On-Site Color Consulting & Device Profiling
- Complete Color Management System Integration
- Fine Art Printing, Prepress & RIP Installation
- Expert Photoshop Instruction & Training
- Other Services, as requested
Introduction to Color Management
We've all seen a bank of TV's tuned to the same signal, and yet the colors, contrast and brightness are different from one to the next. Or, two printed photos or brochures generated from the same file, yet they don't match. Or your print not matching what you see on the monitor. Color Management addresses these inconsistencies.
Color management is a methodology for assuring consistency, repeatability and accuracy throughout every stage of the digital imaging process ~ image capture, monitor display, editing, file preparation and final output, whether sent to a printing press, inkjet, laster, digital press, photo processor or other device.
Unfortunately, the Internet is not color managed (with few exceptions), so websites and images can look very different from one computer to the next. Thankfully, this is not the case in the world of print, or even on individual work stations.
Monitor & Printer Profiling
Accurate monitor and printer profiles are the keys to accurate, reliable, predictable color. Monitor and printer vendors supply 'generic' profiles with their products, but they only get you close. For accurate color, you need custom profiles that describe your monitor and your printer/paper/ink combination. Not only that, monitors 'drift' and need regular recalibration and profiling.
DinaGraphics offers custom inkjet printer profiles by mail for $50 for each printer/paper/ink combination. For every paper we profile, you receive two custom profiles. We also are happy to visit your site to implement a complete color management solution.
To learn more about monitor and printer profiling, download and read our article, Creating Monitor and Printer Profiles. We look forward to hearing from you.
Printer Profiling Targets
I currently use Bill Atkinson's 1728 patch RGB profiling targets for most of my custom inkjet profiles. Simply printing targets without establishing the best driver or RIP settings will not guarantee a good profile (please read my article on Monitor & Printer Profiling).
Please feel free to download the these targets (click link, then Save). The ZIP file contains my preliminary test target to help establish proper driver settings, and profiling targets designed for printing on both 13x19 and 8.5x11 paper (three letter sized sheets required). The targets are formatted for strip reading with an Eye One Pro Spectrophotometer. When you have downloaded the file to your desktop or folder, double click on it to unzip the file for access to the files.
Be sure to follow the detailed instructions in my article on Monitor & Printer Profiling.
